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Mar 31, 2009 at 10:00 PM

The Associated Press

The Hutchinson News, March 19:Kansas has just tapped the tip of the wind turbine.It now generates more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity with wind farms that have gone online, and as the nation's third-greatest wind resource, there's plenty more where that came from.But for Kansas to be the clean energy pioneer it has the potential to be, more action is needed. For example, more incentives to bolster the development of wind and solar energy resources.The state recently has joined a small group of states that generate more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity from wind power — but it is not at the top. ...The steps lawmakers take now can set the stage for our future — a state known for being on the front edge of the next energy revolution, or a state lagging behind, still reliant on coal-burning power plants.Negotiators in the Legislature are finalizing a bill that would allow Sunflower Electric Power to build two 700-megawatt generators at its existing plant near Holcomb. The focus on coal ... detracts from the push forward on renewable energy in the state.It's true that the coal plants would offer some economic development, but so would more development of wind and solar power industries. Investment in renewable energy projects can mean prosperity for rural areas as the industry creates jobs.And while the coal plant legislation contains some green initiatives, renewable energy proponents rightly desire a bill for wind power that can stand on its own. ....Kansas has a lot more to give, but it cannot realize its potential without the full commitment of the Legislature.

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